I'm learning
עברית
ולא — meaning in English: And no
valo · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
if not
ולא
valo
אכלתי
akhalti
יפים
yafim
לנהר
lenahar
מקומיים
mekomiyim
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
informal
very common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'ולא' (valo) in everyday conversations to express refusal or denial, such as when declining an invitation or emphasizing the absence of something. For example, if someone asks if they enjoyed a particular dish, one might respond, 'ולא, it wasn't good at all,' indicating strong discontent.
Synonyms & nuances
'ולא' is often compared to 'לא' (lo), which also means 'no.' However, 'ולא' tends to be used in contexts where one is combining thoughts or clauses, while 'לא' is typically used for straightforward negation. Choosing 'ולא' adds a layer of complexity to a statement, making it particularly useful in conversational Hebrew.
Culture
'ולא' has roots in biblical Hebrew, where it appeared frequently in texts emphasizing negation or contradiction. As such, it carries a historical weight and is often used in both modern speech and literature, showcasing its evolution from ancient times to contemporary Hebrew.
FAQ
